See how new Hampton by Hilton Hotel is taking shape at Humberside Airport

Work is progressing towards a summer opening for the Hampton by Hilton Hotel at Humberside Airport.

The first two storeys of the modular build are now being fitted out on site, ahead of the arrival of the second and third floors next month.

And due to the growing number of apprentices heading for BAE Systems’ new training academy, bookings are already mounting as those working in the offshore industry will check out of Nightel, and into the Hilton, giving the new facility a guaranteed great start.

Delivered by Nightel, the company set up by Paul Green six years ago, initially exclusively for BP’s offshore work, it is a step into the general hotel and leisure market for the company, that has seen great success with a sector specific approach.

“Demand is definitely there. Midweek we could fill three hotels,” said Sam Cook, manager of the expanded existing hotel that has proven beyond any doubt the necessity.

“It has been fabulous. We opened for BP with 82 guests from day one.”

It isn’t only the bespoke facilities, but the service provided too. All catering and laundry needs can be looked after, either at the wish of the client or the individual guest.

A year on from a significant expansion of Nightel, with 15 rooms added and new recreational space and dining facilities, to ensure appropriate separation between contractors and students, the Hilton arrival looms large.

“Come March the whole building will be on site, and we will open this summer with 100 bedrooms,” said Mrs Cook, who joined the business from high street bank Halifax before the doors first opened on what was a five-year temporary trial in 2010.

“Currently we don’t have your Mr and Mrs Smith rolling up, but this will be different for us. The brand gives the airport a certain status too.”

Mr Green worked offshore and understood the needs and nuances of the offshore worker and the company. Weather days can mean down time for some, but at Nightel, two meeting rooms are leased to businesses operating in the sector. Wi-fi and plenty of workspace within the relaxing environment mean it can be productive, when not offshore.

Looking ahead, Mrs Cook said: “BAE Systems want us to take 95 students, so we will turn Nightel into focusing on that, and move the offshore guys across to the new hotel.

“The expansion with BAE has gone very, very well, We are having students from all over the world, we have welcomed seven from Saudi Arabia, with seven more coming, and it has all gone very, very smoothly.”

With many familiar faces welcomed on a weekly basis, and some contractors having stayed with them from the start, Mrs Cook is keen to maximise the benefit for all.

“We have all these people here, a captive audience, and we have many of them here for three years.

“It would be nice if we could get something set up so we can get them to Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe to spend their money.”

Ideas range from proactively putting out the information, to an improved bus service.

“The Humber Flyer finishes at 7pm, we would welcome that going for another few hours.

“It would also be nice to have some sort of freshers’ pack, to point them towards the places we’d be happy to have them in.”

We as a crew have been using nightel for several years now, all staff are friendly and can’t do enough to help. All are appreciative of the way we work and our associated needs. Can’t praise them highly enough for the effort and friendliness of all, we always have a good laugh which is important when this is your home from home for two weeks! Well done all, keep up the good work